PA Animal-Vehicle Collisions: Latest Numbers

PENNSYLVANIA — The state once again led the nation in animal-collision insurance claims in the fiscal year 2024-25 with 147,000 claims filed. That's more than 20,000 more than the second-most state, which was Michigan with 126,000.

A recent State Farm report also revealed that Pennsylvania drivers also face some of the highest chances of a collision with a big-game animal. While the national average for animal collisions is 1-in-139, Pennsylvania drivers, according to the report, have more than double that with a 1-in-62 chance. Only drivers in West Virginia, Montana, Wisconsin and Michigan strike animals with greater frequency.

Similar to previous years, deer once again led as the top animal struck, followed by unknown animals, rodents, dogs and raccoons. Rodents are not only involved in collisions but included in claims data as an animal related loss for damage they cause to vehicles, such as chewing wires.

With deer becoming increasingly active, and daylight-saving time soon to put more vehicles on the road during the hours when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is advising motorists to slow down and stay alert.

Deer become more active in autumn with the lead-up to their fall breeding season, commonly referred to as the “rut.” Around this time, many yearling bucks disperse from the areas they were born, traveling considerable distances to find new ranges. Meanwhile, adult bucks more often are cruising their home ranges in search of does, and might chase the does they encounter.

When daylight-saving time ends Nov. 2, there also will be increased vehicular traffic around dusk and dawn – the peak hours for deer activity.

All make deer encounters more likely for motorists.

“The months of October, November, and December are when deer are moving around the most, and for longer durations during the day,” Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said.

“We encourage all drivers to practice safe behaviors and be especially mindful of intensified deer movement at this time of year.”

A driver who hits a deer with a vehicle is not required to report the accident to the Game Commission. If the deer dies, only Pennsylvania residents may claim the carcass. To do so, they can call the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD and an agency dispatcher will collect the information needed to provide a free permit number, which the caller should write down.

A resident must call within 24 hours of taking possession of the deer. A passing Pennsylvania motorist also may claim the deer, if the person whose vehicle hit it doesn’t want it.

If a deer is struck by a vehicle, but not killed, drivers are urged to maintain their distance because some deer might recover and move on. However, if a deer does not move on, or poses a public safety risk, drivers are encouraged to report the incident to the Game Commission or another law-enforcement agency. If the deer must be put down, the Game Commission will direct the proper person to do it.

To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.